The ending sees the seven sins properly represented and cements the film's setting as a purgatory-like location, with Somerset staying on as a detective to continue to fight against the evil that John Doe embodies. Larsen goes to Nicholas and plays a recording of the adagio. That's why I use narcosis." Cinematography: Reginald H. Wyer Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Peter: Hugh McDermott. The Seventh Veil (1945) really tells the story of Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd), a famed and beloved concert pianist who escapes from a hospital after an injury and attempts suicide by jumping off of the nearest bridge. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Francesca tells Larsen that for the next seven years Nicholas never left her out of his sight as they prepared for her future as the ideal concert pianist. The men saw me as a victim and the women thrilled to Mason's power and cruelty, as women have thrilled to this since the world began, however much they deny it"[13], On 5 October 1946, This Is Hollywood presented The Seventh Veil. Or is it the beginning of something new? While she is still under hypnosis, Larsen gets her to play the adagio, but the memory of Nicholas intrudes, and she faints. The 30-minute adaptation starred David Niven and University of Oklahoma student Edrita Pokorny. Nicholas breaks the record. Larsen goes to Nicholas and plays a recording of the adagio. The idea for the film came about when Sydney Box was asked to make a documentary about rehabilitation of shell-shocked soldiers using hypnosis and truth drugs. It was made by Ortus Films (a company established by producer Sydney Box) and released through General Film Distributors in the UK and Universal Pictures in the United States. What Dr. Larsen learns is the importance of music and performing and it all as triggers, and the dominance of Nicholas Cunningham, her father's steadfast bachelor second cousin, in her life since she was a teenager when she became his ward following her father's passing. [8], In 2004, the British Film Institute compiled a list of the 100 biggest UK cinematic hits of all time based on audience figures, as opposed to gross takings. Apart from all that it's an intriguing psychological drama and was one of the first films to have a hero who was cruel. By creating an account, you agree to the Over the years his aspiration becomes her reality and Francesca is a great success. Thoroughly enjoyed your take on it . Nicholas hears the news and calmly orders her to pack a bag because they are leaving for Paris in the morning to continue her studies. The James Mason Blogathon The Seventh Veil (1945). To hack into the Bank Centers server, NIS needs Choi Sang Kyuns help. A teacher canes Francesca's hands, ruining her chances of winning a piano scholarship. Salome drops her seventh veil of her own free will, but you will never get the human mind to do that, and that is why I use narcosis. by Bret Wood. "[12], Looking back at the movie and its reception, Todd said, "It was the film that had everything a bit of Pygmalion, a bit of Trilby, a bit of Cinderella. Furious, he slams his cane down on the keyboard, just missing her hands. Lifting The Veil These terrible, deeply personal and private thoughts are not a true reflection of our personalities. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Thus, The Veil ending shows Ji Hyuk dressing up as an agent to move with his next mission. Only one thing seemed rather obviously ridiculous: in the scene where the German psychiatrist is talking to the German painter who is in love with Francesca, they both carry on a long conversation in heavily-accented English, which becomes a bit comical once you realize how much more natural it would be for them just to speak German to each other. There is an accident and she wakes in the nursing home with bandages on her very slightly burned hands, irrationally convinced she will never play again. Meanwhile, NIS director Bang passes an order to find the EMP bomb first since NSCs decides it. The Veil Finale reveals that Baek Mo Sas plan is not meaningless bloodshed but something bigger that will shake the entire country. Meantime, Ji Hyuk confesses all the crimes and reveals Sangmuhoe, the hidden side of politics, and the NIS organizations involvement. Another version was broadcast by Philip Morris Playhouse on 3 February 1952. However, it unveils it is a time bomb with only a few seconds left to explode. Scott Glen, an American, plays the central human character, fisherman Quinn, who had lost his wife at sea 5 years ago. Coming Soon. The London Symphony Orchestra, still playing in 2022, performed as themselves as the accompanying musicians. Kisses! The Seventh Victim is based on a screenplay co-written by American screenwriters Charles O'Neal and DeWitt Bodeen (who also wrote the screenplay for Cat People (1942) (1942), another film by producer Val Lewton). | And could have been Han Ji Hyuk as well. At first he all but ignores his new ward, but when he finds out about her musical gifts, Francesca becomes the only thing that he focuses on. Ji Hyuk grabs the detonator. Once again Nicholas opposes the match, though this time his ward is of age and is legally allowed to flee her guardian and marry Max anyway. While visiting the Riverside Studios at Hammersmith, he gave demonstrations of his hypnotic powers by inducing trance symptoms in the personnel there." Francesca recounts several failed romances to Dr. Larsen, shown in flashbacks, many of which were sabotaged by her cousin and musical tutor, Nicholas (James Mason), a jealous taskmaster who cares for Francesca deeply. Required fields are marked *. When the last veil is removed, her mind is clear. The film's title comes from the metaphor, attributed to the fictional psychiatrist, that while Salome removed all her veils willingly, human beings fiercely protect the seventh and last veil that hides their deepest secrets, and will only reveal themselves completely under narcosis. Screenplay by Muriel and Sydney Box (Oscar winner). Though the film's ending leaves its narrative open, there's no need for a sequel to Se7en . Veils of reserve, shyness, fear. It is Joyce's hands that are seen in all the close-ups. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=sY1LGFNtCOEC&pg=PA232&lpg=PA232&dq=sydney+box+film+producer&source=bl&ots=F02E_WOkLo&sig=bTwtFh0NIsHllgPcTGLkovJObNU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjmkt78sr_MAhXltIMKHcEYCX0Q6AEILjAD#v=onepage&q=sydney%20box%20film%20producer&f=false, Everything you knew about cinema is probably wrong; BFI releases definitive list of the top 100 most-seen films, Ray Milland, Ann Todd, Co-Star on 'This Is Hollywood' Premiere Tonight, The Lux Radio Theatre, the Seventh Veil starring Ingrid Bergman and Robert Montgomery, "The Seventh Veil." document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow Musings of a Classic Film Addict and receive notifications of new posts right to your inbox! When you awaken to your soul and recognize that you are responsible for your own individual journey, the seventh veil, which is red, dissolves. He tells her she was the reason her father used to smile in his distress, taking his last breath in the arms of his daughter. As fate would have it, a selfish and uncaring fisherman finds her skin and brings it to his home. The Seventh Veil is absolutely loony tunes, essentially about a woman who needs therapy to make her a better partner for her abuser. Following the film's release, she co-starred with Gregory Peck in Alfred Hitchcock's The Paradine Case (1947). She was in her late thirties in real life (and was more than 2 years older than James Mason). Throughout the kdrama, we have gone through numerous puzzles and riddles, leading us to the finale. She finds him by chance, on a poster outside the elegant nightclub where he leads the band. Most male stars up to then had been honest, kind, upstanding, good-looking men that the female star was supposed to feel safe and secure with for the rest of her life when they finally got together at the end of the film. After he saw a rough cut of the film towards the end of the shoot. The film made a star of Mason. I find the gothic aura to the movie strangely appealing. Five minutes under narcosis and down comes the seventh veil. The Veil kdrama ending has cleared all doubts, questions by Episode 12. Over and over again, he reminds her to take care of her precious hands. Mason and wife Pamela Kellino believed such an ending to be "wrong" and "rather dull."[4]. Larsen thanks him for revealing what Francesca means to him. Now, Chief Ha Dong Kyun has become Director Ha. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. The Seventh Veil is a 1945 British melodrama film directed by Compton Bennett and starring James Mason and Ann Todd. After she wakes up from her hypnosis, Dr. Larsen slowly but surely puts her on the path to recovery, trying multiple times to convince her that her hands are in perfect condition and that she really can play the piano. After that scene, The Veil kdrama presents after a five-year timeline. She is rescued and taken back to the hospital and undergoes psychological treatment by Dr. Larsen. All Rights Reserved. They soon fall in love and agree to go to live in Max's villa in Italy. The three loves of her life gather in hopes that shell come back to them once shes rehabilitated, but who will she choose: Peter, Nicholas, or Max? Renowned concert pianist Francesca Cunningham is in the hospital in a close to catatonic state, she conscious but not responding in any form, including not talking, to any stimulus, the reason for her mental state unknown. His raw emotions have given another charm to his acting and his character. But it also is full of great moments - the black and white photography seems to sing along with the glorious music. Upon the release of The Seventh Veil, the UK's Monthly Film Bulletin remarked, "James Mason is an excellent actor with a fine face for screen-work," but added, "Why must he always play a Victorian maidservant's conception of a rich, romantically overbearing lord?" Using the peculiar metaphor of undressing to explain psychoanalysis, Larson rolls up his sleeves and prepares to strip Cunningham's mind bare: "A surgeon doesn't operate without first taking off the clothes. Playing the piano began as something that Francesca adores, and the only hobby that she partakes in that doesnt break the rules at her private school. Even though the previous episodes appeared to be complicated, enigmatic; the ending has answered all the unanswered questions. The screenplay concerns Francesca (Todd), a brilliant concert pianist who attempts suicide while she is . The Seventh Veil is a 1945 British melodrama film directed by Compton Bennett and starring James Mason and Ann Todd. [5], Filmed on a relatively low budget of under 100,000,[6] the film was the biggest British box-office success of its year. Sydney and Muriel Box were commissioned to film a documentary about shell-shocked soldiers being treated with the help of hypnosis. | Salome dropped her seventh veil of her own free will, but you will never get the human mind to do that. The ending might seem a little dated to present-day audiences, with its implication that the heroine can be fully healed of her psychic wounds only by giving herself to one of her three suitors, but for those who like good old-fashioned happy endings, this is a fine one. Edit, The Seventh Veil is based on a screenplay written by the British husband and wife screenwriting team, Muriel and Sydney Box. I'M CRYING OUT LOUDDDD #TheVeil #TheVeilEp12 pic.twitter.com/lOUyXEghWZ. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. Eileen Joyce, whose name does not appear in the credits, was the pianist who substituted for Todd on the soundtrack. Larsen, desperately wants to know the events and persons who drove her to this state and help her. Then we can really help. As soon as I saw this blogathon, I knew that it was time for me to check out one of his earlier roles that might finally cement him in my mind as a leading man. The action crime The Veil ending has presented a perfect closing to the storyline and the characters as well. Leyden: Albert Lieven. The husband-and-wife team of Muriel and Sydney Box won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Seventh Veil . I have heard of The Seventh Veil many times ( being a huge Ann Todd fan ) but could never get myself to watch it because James Mason can play domineering villains so well and I find those characters difficult to watch. That means the world to me! The Whale ending explained Charlie's desire to help Ellie find happiness before he dies. As the subsequent veils are lifted from her clouded mind, Francesca is forced to confront her feelings for Nicholas. James always did brooding and gruff very well on screen, and in this film he gets to do plenty of both. Meanwhile, Larsen sees Peter, who tells him that the night Francesca returned, he told her he was married. Dr. Larsen, a psychiatrist specializing in hypnosis, leads Francesca to describe events in her life that appear as flashbacks. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. James Mason wasn't signed to the film until 2 weeks into the shoot. That time includes a seven-year tribulation during which God will pour out His wrath as judgment for the world's sin and as a final call for humanity to repent and worship Him. He ended up controlling all aspects of her life from her music tutelage, to her life as a concert pianist, to barring her from any romantic entanglements, all done in somewhat of an emotionally cold and distant manner toward her as a person. The key piece of music, the one Francesca is playing when Nicholas strikes the piano keys with his cane, and which is subsequently played at key moments with relation to Francesca and Nicholas as a pair, is Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. Muriel then began to think there was dramatic potential in the premise of hypnotherapy. Now, he is outside; he answers Je Yis call and even reads her letters. By what name was The Seventh Veil (1945) officially released in Canada in English? Still, fans want to see more of them, especially our Han Ji Hyuk and Yoo Je Yi. The concept of the film was concocted by the couple after Sydney was asked to complete a documentary about rehabilitation of shell-shocked soldiers using truth drugs and hypnosis, and Muriel saw potential in a movie about the rehabilitation of a famous dancer or violinist using these same methods. Nearly a decade ago, a dear friend and colleague of mine named Don Harkins authored a wonderfully thought-provoking piece entitled "Slavery and the eight veils.". The traditional craft, a punt, is flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow made to be used mostly on rivers. Over and over again, he reminds her to take care of her precious hands. He wants to show the corrupt side of the government and crush the citizens trust in the government. But will it really have season 2? He warns the three men that she is a new Francesca, no longer afraid, who will want to be with the one she loves, trusts, has been happiest with, cannot live without. In a series of flashbacks, Francesca reveals the secrets of her life, especially her involvement with her second cousin, guardian, and music teacher Nicholas Cunningham (James Mason), her first boyfriend Peter Gay (Hugh McDermott), and her second boyfriend and the painter of her portrait Maxwell Leyden (Albert Lieven). Meanwhile, the NIS team sees Ji Hyuk on the edge of pressing the button, which they assume is a detonator. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! External Reviews Theyre distantly related, and even if their relationship after the credits roll is a platonic one, Francesca deserves much more happiness than Nicholas could ever provide for her. In the past Ive enjoyed his films like Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (1950), North By Northwest (1959), Lolita (1962), and The Verdict (1982), but something about him always made me think of him as a supporting actor no matter what role he played. Francesca Cunningham is a brilliant concert pianist suffering from a delusion that she has lost the use of her hands. She plays the second movement (adagio cantabile) of the Piano Sonata Pathtique by Beethoven, louder and louder, drowning out Nicholas' long rant to the effect that she belongs to him. The Veil ending shows Je Yi was sending him letters but, he never once opened them. She survives, but is unresponsive. Nicholas is outraged. A teacher canes Francesca's hands, ruining her chances of winning a piano scholarship. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Ann Todd plays Francesca throughout the film, starting when the character is supposed to be fourteen. The ending of The Veil delivers the last goodbye between Je Yi and his father. He was well suited to this Mr. Rochester type character(am I the only one who wishes he had starred in Jane Eyre?). The ending of The kdrama has given some hope for The Veil Season 2. Hello, I'm Harshali Bait and I'm from the City of Dreams. Max removes her from the nursing home and refuses to let Larsen continue treatment. The film was entered into the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. As a content writer, I write engaging content based on k-dramas and k-pop music world. 28 No. All rights reserved. At the college, Francesca is blissful until Nicholas takes away all her happiness. Peter, a brash American musician studying in London, charms her and opens a world to her, including a waltz that Nicholas scorns as suburban shop girl trash. Yes, its really hard to not associate him with these passionate and serious roles. Producer: Sydney Box User Ratings Sadly, the emotionless yet eyes speaking more Han Ji Hyuk, we wont be seeing him anymore. The Seventh Veil placed 10th in this list[9] with an estimated attendance of 17.9 million people.[10]. This is a riveting and passionate story that I absolutely adored James Mason and Ann Todd in, but if the controversial ending is one that you might have an issue with like I did, I would recommend ending the film about two or three minutes early and pretending that Francesca rushes down the stairs, then out of the door to start a new life without any of these men to hinder her. Francesca studies at the Royal College of Music in South Kensington, London. Your article is amazing, thanks, Your email address will not be published. Dr. Larsen is known for using hypnosis on his patients and explains to his colleagues that the human mind has seven layers that are similar to Salomes seven veils. The soft focus ending was due to a flaw spotted on the rushes and being unable to reshoot due to James Mason already being on his way to America. Apart from all that it's an intriguing psychological drama and was one of the first films to have a hero who was cruel. Or is it the end? Privacy Policy Then we can see what is actually going on behind it. After his death, he took out his bone and sharpened it, which helped him free from that hell. She is rescued and taken back to the hospital and undergoes psychological treatment by Dr. Larsen. The record label shown is the British company HMV (His Master's Voice). The Seventh Veil - 1945 (James Mason - Ann Todd - Herbert Lom) Yami BazFM 4.87K subscribers Subscribe 963 Share Save 84K views 2 years ago The Seventh Veil is a 1945 British melodrama film. Because Ji Hyuk also killed his colleagues just like Baek Mo Sa did. Edit, Awards Their on-screen camaraderie and chemistry are adored by all fans. According to their plan, Ji Hyuk kills all gang members and goes to the security room to find the lead. and the Until she is 21 he has complete control over her. I'd have liked you to have gone to the nice clean American.". We see the knight and his companions being led by . With an estimated attendance of 17.9 million persons, it edged out such blockbusters as Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), as well as the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. But will it really have season 2? Waking up in the hospital with bandages covering her primary physical asset proves to be too much for her, however, and she attempts suicide because she believes that her hands truly are marred beyond repair and because she cannot live without playing the piano, the only thing she loves. Mason suddenly became available after he left I Know Where I'm Going! I think that I would have been fine with the ending if there had been a few more scenes showing a softer side to Nicholas, and if we had seen more happy moments between him and Francesca. (from: the Book of the Film- The Seventh Veil). Some help with the script was also given by leading lady Ann Todd, who suggested the name of her daughter, Francesca, for the main role. Besides the crime-intriguing story, the cast of The Veil has caught viewers hearts with their exceptional performance, especially Namkoong Nim and Kim Ji Eun. The Seven Veils is an ancient sexual practice designed to connect the energy field and life force that flows between partners. At the end of "The Seventh Day," Father Daniel realizes that his task is not done yet. Sydney Box commissioned renowned English portrait artist Frank O. Salisbury R.A. to paint the portrait of Francesca. The band plays their waltz, they danceand Francesca refuses to tell the doctor what happened next. Even though some parts of the drama confused me at first as the truth unraveled, it was still an enjoyable watch. Hence, Ji Hyuk immediately takes advantage of the situation. 18 of 18 found this interesting | Share this The idea for the film came about when Sydney Box was asked to make a documentary about rehabilitation of shell-shocked soldiers using hypnosis and truth drugs. According to Kinematograph Weekly the "biggest winners" at the box office in 1945 Britain were The Seventh Veil, with Madonna of the Seven Moons, Arsenic and Old Lace and Meet Me in St Louis among the runner-ups. 2023 Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Prior to Harkins' untimely death, we discussed this "Eight-veils theory" for literally hours together - and in the end, Don asked me . She screams and runs to Max who whisks her away in the car. Nicholas ignores her until a school report reveals that she is a gifted pianist. She tells him she is grateful for many things and will never forgive him for others. Feeling enraged and hopeless as his only companion attempts to leave him and take the musical talent that he bestowed upon her, he bashes Francescas hands in hopes that she will never be able to play the piano again. With an iron fist, Nicholas encourages her to pursue the piano and, under the influence of her Svengali, Francesca's talents flourish. Shin Su Yong gives all evidence related to Sangmuhoe to cut off his ties. I currently reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania and I take film classes often. Ji Hyuk reveals that she is his daughter, and she is the reason he did not turn into a monster like him. But, till the end, it did not happen. There follows a series of flashbacks in which Cunningham's life is recounted, and the viewer, with Dr. Larson, must sift through her romantic entanglements and personal setbacks to find the source of her psychological distress. The seal turned woman is played by British actress Saffron Burrows. After he saw a rough cut of the film towards the end of the shoot, James Mason insisted that Ann Todd be given equal billing. After the bullet hits Ji Hyuk, the NIS team understands the situation. The Seventh Veil (1945) really tells the story of Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd), a famed and beloved concert pianist who escapes from a hospital after an injury and attempts suicide by jumping off of the nearest bridge. Thank you so much! Released in United States 1983 (Shown at FILMEX: Los Angeles International Film Exposition (James Mason in Person: A Retrospective Tribute) April 13 - May 1, 1983.). As a teenager, she is taken into the home of a mysterious distant relative, Nicholas (James Mason), and the film takes on shades of Rebecca (1940), as the wide-eyed naif struggles for the affection of the cold-hearted, domineering lord of the manor. See production, box office & company info, Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, London, England, UK. Baek Mo Sa talks about how his other colleague used to talk about his daughter all the time, even in that pit of pure torment. The ending has explained different sides of NIS agents and a new beginning of the newly reformed NIS organization. Dont worry, it wont take long. Therefore, she decides to enter the battleground believing a little part of his father still resides inside Baek Mo Sa. The continuous torture led Kim Young Gook on the verge of death, and he asked Yoo Joon Man to kill him to end his suffering. Considering Ji Hyuk has a long history of mental illness, NIS Director Bong orders to shoot him. [11] It won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (for Sydney and Muriel Box) that same year. Compton Bennett directed. Even NIS does not shoot him after seeing he is holding the detonator. Director Compton Bennett Writers Muriel Box (original story) Sydney Box (original story) Stars James Mason Ann Todd Herbert Lom See production, box office & company info Watch on HBO Max Nicholas does not play well, but he is a brilliant and inspiring teacher. [7] By February 1948, its box-office receipts were over 2 million worldwide. This attempt is unsuccessful, and from there her case is given to psychoanalyst Dr. Larsen (Herbert Lom). Eventually, Francesca performs at the Royal Albert Hall. ! You know what, uh, Staples says? Therefore, Yoo Joon Man strangled Kim Young Gook. This film won the Best Writing, Original Screenplay Oscar for its only Academy Award nomination. It takes the form of a series of flashbacks which depict events in the life of Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd, who has to spend way too much time playing someone who . It is also known as The Three Sisters Prelude, inspired by the composer's three sisters. The Seventh Veil was also presented by the Lux Radio Theatre on September 15, 1947,[15] starring Joseph Cotten and Ida Lupino; and then on December 13, 1948,[16] now starring Ingrid Bergman and Robert Montgomery. In The Seventh Veil, Joyce is often backed by the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Muir Mathieson. Metacritic Reviews. Thus, Ji Hyuk and Je Yi begin to search for the bomb and eventually find it. Regal Amazing review! [7] By February 1948, its box-office receipts were over 2 million worldwide. An intelligent and . Father Daniel ends the movie with a mission. Perhaps my favourite early Mason film and his presence on the screen is perfectly accompanied by Ann Todd. Ray Milland and Ann Todd starred in the adaptation.[14]. (from: the Book of the Film- The Seventh Veil). With a lover, she will take off five, or even six, but never the seventh. Thus saith psychiatrist Dr. Larsen (Herbert Lom) at the beginning of Compton Bennett's British classic The Seventh Veil (1945). The seventh veil: Ten Percent will progress to pierce the 7 th veil where the incredible world of fractal geometry and the universal law of numbers will be fully understood and embraced. This put aside, The Seventh Veil is a marvelous movie, with a great cinematography and story. Im Samantha Ellis, Im twenty-four years old, and Im the classic film addict here at Musings of a Classic Film Addict. In 1949, she married director David Lean, and starred in a trio of his films: The Passionate Friends (1949), Madeleine (1950), and The Sound Barrier (1952, released as Breaking the Sound Barrier in the U.S.). The writer did an excellent job, structuring each part of the plot neatly. Now with friends, the average person will drop first one veil, then another, maybe three or four altogether. He has to perform exorcisms on all the priests who are in Father . Larsen descends while Francesca plays. 'Welcome' mats were spread out for us in Hollywood. One dark summer night, Francesca Cunningham, a once world famed pianist, escapes from her hospital room and tries to commit suicide by jumping off a local bridge. Later, Ji Hyuk receives a call from an unknown number where he replies that he will think about their offer. I love movies with Ann Todd. Sydney and Muriel Box were commissioned to film a documentary about shell-shocked soldiers being treated with the help of hypnosis. Keep your eyes on the news to know the latest updates about The Veil kdrama and its upcoming season. Many spoilers ahead, including for the ending.. The Seventh Veil (1945, UK) In Compton Bennett's compelling musical melodrama about uncovering the 'seven veils' of the human mind of a romantically-thwarted concert pianist: the opening sequence set in a mental hospital - and the attempted suicide of hospitalized concert pianist Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd), who jumped from a . It is Joyce's hands that are seen in all the close-ups. Ann Todd was a familiar face to British filmgoers when she made The Seventh Veil, having worked in the industry for almost fifteen years, but without a major success. The story begins on October 8, 1995, in Baltimore, Maryland, on the day of Pope John Paul II's visit to America.